Journal of University of Shanghai for Science and Technology ISSN: 1007-6735

A STUDY OF SOLVING SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATION USING DIFFERENT METHODS

AND ITS REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS:

Khushbu kumari a R K Poonia b

𝑘𝑘ℎ𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢ℎ𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑘𝑘𝑢𝑢𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏06294@𝑔𝑔𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑔𝑔. 𝑐𝑐𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏𝑘𝑘𝑟𝑟𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑟𝑟𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑟𝑟7260@𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑔𝑔. 𝑏𝑏𝑟𝑟𝑏𝑏

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY, GHARAUN, MOHALI, PUNJAB

ABSTRACT:Solving system of linear equation (or linear systems or, also simultaneous
equation) is a common situation in many scientific and technological problems. Many method
either analytical or numerical, have been developed to solve them so, in this paper I will explain
how to solve any arbitrary field using the different - different methods of system of linear
equation for this we need to define some concepts. Like a general method most used in linear
algebra is the Gauss Elimination or variation of this sometimes they are referred as “direct
methods “Basically it is an algorithm that transforms the system into an equivalent one but with a
triangular matrix, thus allowing a simpler resolution,
Other methods can be more effective in solving system of linear equation like Gauss Elimination
or Row Reduction, Gauss Jordan and Crammer’s rule etc.So, in this paper I will explain these
method by taking an example also, in this paper I will explain the Researcher’s works that how
they explain different –different methods by taking different example. And I worked on using
these different methods in solving a single example, i.e. I will use these methods in an example.
In this paper I will explain the real life application that how System of Linear Equation used in
our daily life.
KEYWORDS:System of linear equation, Gauss elimination methods (or Row Reduction),
Gauss Jordan methods, Crammers rule, and applications.

1.INTRODUCTION:
A system of equation is a set or collection of equation solved together. Collection of linear
equation is termed as system of linear equations. They are often based on same set of variables.
Or a linear system of equation is a system where the output is proportionate to the input.
For example: If the business organization is a linear system, then if we double the capital,
employees, raw materials and factories ( the inputs) then we expect to get double the production
(the outputs).
Various methods have been evolved to solve the linear equations. Various methods are proposed
by different mathematiciansDifferent methods are being used for the solution of system of linear
equation. This paper deals with the Gaussian Elimination methods, Gauss Jordan methods,
crammers rule and some other rules or methods. Not a single method which is used to be best
method to get appropriate result. Speed used as a significant factor for the solution of system of
linear equations as the volume of computation engaged are to large. The solution of a linear
system of equation can be accomplished by a numerical method which directs method. Amongst

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the direct method, they will describe the elimination method by gauss as also its modification
and the LU decomposition method. Numerical analysis, the subject which studies algorithms for
computing expressions defined with real numbers. Such systems can involve many equations in
many variables. So after reviewing methods for solving two linear equations in two variables, we
use matrices and matrix operations to develop procedures that are suitable for solving linear
systems of any size.
2. HISTORY:
System of equation arose in Europe with the introduction in 1637 by Rene Descartes. System of
linear equation is given by different-different mathematicians. Linear equation were invented in
1843 by Irish mathematicians Sir William Rowan Hamilton.
3. RELATIVE WORKS:
When it comes to systems of linear equations, there is not much research pertaining to what
methods students tend to use, especially when multiple choice answers are involved. There is
research on linear equations and research on multiple choice answers, but combining the two
together and going one step further to make linear equations into systems of linear equations has
not been well established (Anderson, 1989; Coppedge& Hanna, 1971; Hewitt, 2012; Huntley,
Marcus, Kahan, & Miller, 2007; Kazemi, 2002; Marshall, 1983; Nogueira de Lima & Tall,
2008).
Over the years, many methods have been devised to solve system of linear equations for two
variables and more than two variables.
Cornelius Lanczos [1952] A simple algorithm is described which is well adapted to the effective
solution of large systems of linear algebraic equations by a succession of well-convergent
approximations
FALL [2012]. This descriptive study focuses on the approaches college students (ages 20 - 24)
use when solving systems of linear equations problems that have multiple choice answers.
Participants were from a midsize public university in the northeast. Four approaches were
considered – three forwards approaches: 1) substitution, 2) elimination, and 3) graphing, and one
backwards approach: plugging in the x and y values from each multiple choice option.
Participants solved systems of linear equations problems and answered questions based on their
methods in a structured clinical interview
KHAN et al. [2015]. This paper comprises of matrix introduction, and the direct methods for
linear equations. The goal of this research was to analyze different elimination techniques of
linear equations and measure the performance of Guassian elimination and Guass Jordan
method, in order to find their relative importance and advantage in the field of symbolic and
numeric computation. The purpose of this research is to revise an introductory concept of linear
equations, matrix theory and forms of Guassian elimination through which the performance of
Guass Jordan and Guassian elimination can be measured.
Riga [2016].The systems of linear equations are a classic section of numerical methods which
was already known BC. It reached its highest peak around 1600-1700 due to the public demand

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for solutions of technical and engineering tasks, nevertheless, it is still topical nowadays. This
paper describes another iterative approach to solving linear systems, which is based in the
multiple transfers of the solution proximity point towards the solution itself, simultaneously
reducing the differences of all the system equations

MARYA et.al [2017]. In this paper we present a survey of three direct methods for the solution
of system of linear equations. Various methods are introduced to solve systems of linear
equations but in contrast to all methods not a single method are best for all situations (to get
appropriate solution). These methods depend on speed and accuracy as these are an important
factor in solving large systems of equations because the volume of computations involved for
solution are bulky. Direct solution of simultaneous linear equations may be regarded as a slow
process for large systems of equations and requires special treatment to avoid numerical
instability.
https://www.khanacademy.org/commoncore/grade-HSA-A-REI#HSA-REI.C.6The elimination
method is a technique for solving systems of linear equations. This article reviews the technique
with examples and even gives you a chance to try the method yourself. ICTE 2016,
.Maharaja [2018]. This paper focused on the written work of two students to questions based on
the solution of a system of linear equations using matrix methods. The objective was to gauge
the possible level of mathematical understanding of the students by using a framework that was
arrived at. That framework was used to analyse the level of mathematical understanding of those
students’ written responses to the questions, with the focus on their use of symbolic language. It
was found that the framework enabled the researcher to get a deeper insight into those students
use of the symbolic language, used both in an instrumental role and also as a communicative
function.
Then Sahgal [2018], Mafteiu-scai.[2012],Flag.[2017], Tofigh [2004],Allahviranloo.[2005], and
many more.
4. DEFINITION:

A system of linear equations is a collection of one or more linear equations involving the same
set of variables. Or Linear systems are systems of equations in which the variables are never
multiplied with each other but only the constants and then summed up.

A linear equation in variables 𝑏𝑏1 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑏𝑏2 𝑥𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑏3 𝑥𝑥3 + ⋯ . . 𝑏𝑏𝑟𝑟 𝑥𝑥𝑟𝑟 =b

Where 𝑏𝑏1, 𝑏𝑏2 , 𝑏𝑏3 ………….𝑏𝑏𝑟𝑟 and b are constants of real and complex numbers. The constant 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
is called the coefficient of 𝑥𝑥𝑏𝑏 and b is called the constant term of the equation.

5. METHODS THAT ARE USED TO SOLVE SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATIONS:

There are so many methods are used to solve the linear system of equation. Some of these are:-
elimination of variables, Row reduction(Gauss elimination method), Cramer’s rule,and etc..

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Journal of University of Shanghai for Science and Technology ISSN: 1007-6735

5.1 ELIMINATION OF VARIABLES: The simplest method for solving a system of linear
equations is to repeatedly eliminate variables. This method can be described as follows:
1. In the first equation, solve for one of the variables in terms of the others.
2. Substitute this expression into the remaining equations. This yield a system of
equations with one fewer unknown.
3. Repeat until the system is reduced to a single linear equation.
Solve this equation, and then back – substitute until entire solution is found

5.2 Row Reduction Method:

To perform row reduction in a matrix, one uses a sequence of elementary row operations to
modify the matrix until the lower half hand corner of the matrix is filled with zeros, as much as
possible.
For example:- solve the system of equation using Row reduction method
x + 4y + 9z = 16

2x + y + z = 10
3x + 2y + 3z = 18

write it as AX=B
1 4 9 𝑥𝑥 16
�2 1 1� �𝑦𝑦 � = �10�
3 2 3 𝑧𝑧 18
Augmented matrix ;�𝐴𝐴 : 𝐵𝐵�
1 4 9 : 16
�2 1 1 : 10�
3 2 3 : 18
apply 𝑅𝑅2 → 𝑅𝑅2 − 2𝑅𝑅1 ,𝑅𝑅3 → 𝑅𝑅3 − 3𝑅𝑅1

apply 𝑅𝑅2 → 𝑅𝑅2 − 2𝑅𝑅1 ,𝑅𝑅3 → 𝑅𝑅3 − 3𝑅𝑅1

1 4 9 : 16
�0 −7 −17 : −32�
0 −10 −24 : −30
𝑅𝑅3 → 7𝑅𝑅3 − 10𝑅𝑅2
1 4 16 : 16
�0 −7 −17 : −22�
0 0 2 : 10
x+4y +9z = 16

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-7y -17z =-22

2z = 10

Z = 5 , y =- 9 and x = 7

5.3 Same question solved by guass Jordan method:

x + 4y + 9z = 16
2x + y + z = 10
3x + 2y + 3z = 18

write it as AX=B
1 4 9 𝑥𝑥 16
�2 1 1� �𝑦𝑦 � = �10�
3 2 3 𝑧𝑧 18
Augmented matrix ;�𝐴𝐴 : 𝐵𝐵�
1 4 9 : 16
�2 1 1 : 10�
3 2 3 : 18
Apply𝑅𝑅2 → 𝑅𝑅2 − 2𝑅𝑅1 ,𝑅𝑅3 → 𝑅𝑅3 − 3𝑅𝑅1

Apply𝑅𝑅2 → 𝑅𝑅2 − 2𝑅𝑅1 ,𝑅𝑅3 → 𝑅𝑅3 − 3𝑅𝑅1

1 4 9 : 16
�0 −7 −17 : −32�
0 −10 −24 : −30
𝑅𝑅3 → 7𝑅𝑅3 − 10𝑅𝑅2
1 4 16 : 16
�0 −7 −17 : −22� 𝑅𝑅3 → 7𝑅𝑅3 − 10𝑅𝑅2 , 𝑅𝑅1 → 7𝑅𝑅1 + 4𝑅𝑅2
0 0 2 : 10
7 0 −5 : 24
�0 −7 −17 : −22� 𝑅𝑅1 → 2𝑅𝑅1 + 5𝑅𝑅3 𝑅𝑅2 → 2𝑅𝑅2 + 17𝑅𝑅3 ,
0 0 2 : 10

14 0 0 : 98
� 0 −14 0 : 126�
0 0 2 : 10
14x = 98

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-14y= 126
2z = 10

So, x=7 , y= -9 , and z = 5

5.5 Same question solved by crammers rule :

x + 4y + 9z = 16 (1)
2x + y + z = 10 (2)
3x + 2y + 3z = 18 (3)

First we need to find the value of delta ∆

1 4 9
∆= �2 1 1�
3 2 3
Now we have to apply 3rd row determinant rule
1 1 2 1 2 1
1� � −4� � +9� �
2 3 3 3 3 2

(3 − 2) − 4(6 − 3) + 9(2 − 3)

1-12 +9

10– 12 = -2 so ∆= −2

Now for finding the value of X,Y and Z we need to find the value of ∆𝑥𝑥 , ∆𝑦𝑦 𝑏𝑏𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑢 ∆𝑧𝑧

In ∆ 1st column we have to replace by these three exponent

16 4 9
∆𝑥𝑥 = �10 1 1�
18 2 3
16(3 − 2) − 4(30 − 18) + 9(20 − 18)

16-48+18 = -14
∆𝑥𝑥 −14
So 𝑥𝑥 = = 7 𝑏𝑏. 𝑟𝑟 𝑥𝑥 = 7
∆ −2

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Journal of University of Shanghai for Science and Technology ISSN: 1007-6735

1 16 9
∆𝑦𝑦 = �2 10 1�
3 18 3
1(30 − 18) − 16(6 − 3) + 9(36 − 30)

12 - 48 + 54 = 18
∆𝑦𝑦 18
𝑦𝑦 = = = −9
∆ −2

1 4 16
∆𝑧𝑧 = �3 1 10�
3 2 18
1(18 − 20) − 4(36 − 30) + 16(4 − 3)

-2 - 24 +16 = -10
∆𝑧𝑧 −10
𝑧𝑧 = = =5
∆ −2
So, the same question solved by these methods we get the same values of x, y and z

Similarly we can solve these type of question by using different –different methods of
system of linear equation very easily

6.REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS OF SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATION:

There are so many applications of system of linear equation in which some of them are
explained by using the example :

There are two cars moving towards each other and are 500 miles apart. One car is moving at
a speed of 100 mph and the other is moving at 70 mph. Assuming that the cars start moving
at the same time how long does it take for the two cars to meet? Here let t represent the
amount of time that the cars are traveling before they meet. Now, we need to sketch a figure
for this one. This figure will help us to write down the equation that we’ll need to solve

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From this figure, we can see that the Distance Car A travels plus the Distance Car B travels
must equal the total distance separating the two cars, 500 miles Here is the linear equation in
two separate forms.

The distance of Car A + Distance of Car B =500

Rate of Car A * Time of Car A + Rate of Car B * Time of Car B = 500

We used the standard formula here twice, once for each car. We know that the distance a car
travels is the rate of the car times the time traveled by car. In this case, we know that Car A
travels at 100 mph for t hours and that
Car B travels at 80 mph for t hours as well. Plugging these into the linear equation and solving it
gives us,

100t+70t=500
170t=500
t=500/170
=2.941176 hrs
So, they will travel for approximately 2.94 hours to meet

2. Health Care Professional:

The health care field, including doctors and nurses, often use linear equations to calculate
medical doses. Linear equations are also used to determine how different medications may
interact with each other and how to determine correct dosage amounts to prevent overdose with
patients using multiple medications. Doctors also use linear equations to calculate doses based on
a patient's weight.

3.Financial Analyst:

Financial occupations often require the use of linear equations. Accountants, auditors, budget
analysts, insurance underwriters and loan officers frequently use linear equations to balance
accounts, determine pricing and set budgets. Linear equations used in financial occupations may
also be used in creating family budgets as well. A financial planner, for example, uses linear
equations to determine the total worth of a client's stocks.

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4.Architect and Builder :

The construction field frequently uses linear equations when measuring and cutting all types of
materials for job sites. Both carpenters and electricians are included in the construction field and
use linear equations on many of the jobs they do. A carpenter might, for example, use a linear
equation to estimate the cost of wood and nails for a remodeling project.
5.Computer Programmer :
Computer programmers and support specialists must be able to solve linear equations. Linear
equations are used within software applications, on websites and security settings, which must be
programmed by a computer programmer. Support specialists must be able to understand linear
equations to troubleshoot many software and networking issues. A programmer, for
example,might use linear equations to calculate the time needed to update a large database of
information

6.CONCLUSION:
Based on the readings and observations and articles, we have concluded from this paper that we
can solve any arbitrary question and two variables and more than two variable question can be
easily solved by using methods of system of linear equation. Also as I explained in this paper that
same question can be solved by more than two methods so, I also concluded, a question is not
particularly solved by only a specific method we can also solved that by using different –
different methods as I have proven in this paper. Also we can use system of linear equation in
daily life .
Direct methods are not appropriate for solving large number of equations in a system,
particularly when the coefficient matrix is sparse, i.e. when most of the elements in a matrix are
zero as contrast to LU decomposition method

7. References:
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3. Yadanar Mon, Lai lai win kyi, “performance comparison of guassian elimination and
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4. Luke Smith and Joan Powell: “An Alternative Method to Gauss-Jordan Elimination:
Minimizin g Fraction Arithmetic”, The Mathematics Educator, 2011
5. J. F. Grcar, “How ordinary elimination became Gaussian elimination”. Historia Math.,
38(2):163_218, 2011.
6. Etienne Loute, “guassian elimination as computational paradigm”, August 2003.

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7. NaeKaunTsao, Ditroit Michigan, “On the Equivalence of Gaussian Eliminatio and

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